Sabic Ultem® Resin Shortage Causing Delays

In September of 2014, Sabic announced issues with extended lead times for all Ultem® (PEI) Resins. These issues were caused by a dramatic increase in the demand this material. In addition, a scheduled outage at their Mt. Vernon facility is planned for April 2015. Over the last several years, Sabic has increased capacity, and continue efforts to optimize production. Currently, Sabic is the only manufacturer of the PEI resin, under their trade name Ultem®.

The result of an increase of industrial uses for Ultem® and spike in demand, along with the scheduled plant outage is a dramatic resin availability problem. Lead times from Sabic for Ultem® resin are currently being quoted at 14 – 18 weeks (as of Feb 2015).

The growth in the Sabic Ultem® plastic materials is due to many excellent physical properties that the Ultem has. The unique blend of UL 94 V-0 flame retardant properties, high heat resistance, superior resistance to autoclave sanitizing and is FDA/USDA and USP class VI compliant make Sabic Ultem® materials an obvious choice.

What this means if you use Ultem®

The available stock shapes of Ultem® 1000 and Ultem® 2300 our clients use is dwindling fast. We source sheet and rod materials from all the major Sabic Ultem® stock shape manufacturers. Currently, many of our suppliers have zero inventory of resin or stock shapes. They are completely sold out, and as stated above, are not expecting any replacement resin for 4 or more months. Even then, the flow of resin will be reduced while production levels increase and catchup with current demand.

If Ultem® is what you must have, you have limited options. Industrial Plastic Supply, upon getting the news (see Press Release of Nov. 21, 2014) of the upcoming shortages, purchased all the Ultem® 1000 and Ultem® 2300 sheet and rod that suppliers had available. This large purchase was done to protect existing customers from a devastating outage, that could cause production slow downs or even shut downs. The common Ultem® shapes produced are: Ultem® 1000 rod, Ultem® 1000 sheet, Ultem® 2300 rod, Ultem® 2300 sheet, and some Black Ultem® 1000 and Black Ultem® 2300 in sheet and rod. Contact Industrial Plastic to see if the Ultem® sheet or Ultem® rod material you need is still available.

What other options are available

In many cases, the Ultem® material that is specified may simply be unavailable for the foreseeable future. What options are available for other materials that may solve your immediate needs?

There are several materials that have some of the physical properties of the Sabic Ultem®. No one material has all the same properties, or the exact same properties as Ultem®, but several materials may work for your application. The determining factor will be the main physical properties you may need and want.

[…] Ultem sheet is a part of PEI or polyetherimide family. This is an amorphous thermoplastic family that offers an outstanding elevated thermal resistance. This plastic type also offer a high strenght and stiffness. And also offer a broad chemical resistance. This plastic sheet usually found in medical and chemical application. This is because the plastic type is resist to heat. And this plastic type also resist to any solvents and flame. Ultem sheet has a high mechanical properties that can perform until 170 celcius degree. This plastic has a balance properties that can make the designer feel free to use this material. […]

The Sabic Ultem Resin Lack Contributing to Delays In September of 2014, Sabic revealed concerns with prolonged preparations for all Ultem (PEI) Resins. These concerns were due to a remarkable boost in the need this product. In addition, a set up failure at their Mt. Vernon center is causing delays. Great insight, thanks.

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Frankly, I am blown away! We needed some Delrin rod, and so we started calling around. Most companies I called said ‘they could get it’ or ‘they can order it from back East’. After calling 5 other places I called Industrial Plastic of Anaheim. They had all the materials we needed in the right diameters,…

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I went to industrial plastic supply the other day to purchase some plastic for a project. Carlos helped me on the floor and was extremely helpful! He really took the time to help me! It was nearing closing time but Carlos didn’t care and still treated me as though I was a customer that came…

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The best will call experience I’ve had. Miguel was great and more than willing to help me find what I needed. He showed me the plastics I had questions about and even show me other plastics that would work for me. I loved that the warehouse was clean and organized. Will defiantly be going back…

I was very impressed with the professionalism and assistance they provided. They have a ton of materials in stock, way more than any other plastic supply house I have visited. The guy at the counter was eager to help, and cut the parts I needed while I waited. Great experience.

Great help and service Needed a window for my store front. I found this place online and got a piece of polycarbonate. It’s very strong and durable and got a good price. The salesman was very helpful. Highly recommend this place.

The only plastic place that does what they say they will do. After years of buying from a variety of plastic places, I have been burned over and over by lots of suppliers. Industrial Plastic is the real deal, and ship stuff to me when they say they will. No issues ever!

Industrial Plastic Supply is a great place to deal with! They are very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I learn something new about plastics every time I go there. Everyone I’ve dealt with has been great. They don’t mind small orders and have always gotten our orders correct. Carlos has been especially helpful, teaching me about…

Very nice people, and seem to have good knowledge of product. Needed some round stock to make parts, and they had most sizes I need. The size they didn’t have they had to order. Hopefully the stuff will be in soon. Said they would call.

This place is my favorite plastics supplier. They are always very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I learn more about our options with various materials every time I go. Carlos has been especially helpful. I really appreciate how they go above and beyond to help. Keep up the great work guys!

As a user of plastic materials, I think that Industrial Plastics is the best place to get plastics. I don’t buy a lot, so the fact that they will sell me mechanical plastic rod by the foot is huge. Everyone else wants me to buy a full length. Kevin and Carlos always treat me like…

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